How to Reach Udaipur in Rajasthan?
By Air
By Train
By Road
My Experience of Visiting Udaipur in 5 Days
Day 1
By the time we reached Udaipur station, it was 3 PM. We immediately headed to our room, which we had pre-booked on Airbnb two weeks earlier. The cost was ₹2400 per day for four of us, and we had booked it for four days. Once we freshened up, we first went to Bagore Ki Haveli to see the Dharohar folk dance, which is an essence of Rajasthan’s culture.
Even though the show was scheduled for 7 PM, we arrived at 5:30 PM to purchase tickets and secure front-row seats. It can get very crowded, and we didn’t want to lose our spots if we arrived late at the ticket counter. The show lasted about an hour and showcased various dances such as Ghoomar, Terah Thali, Bhavai, and a puppet show, all of which highlight the uniqueness of Rajasthani culture. It was colorful, steeped in tradition, and performed with sincerity and dedication—I absolutely loved it and would suggest you not miss this dance show.
Entry cost for the Dance show is 125 INR per adult and 125 INR for the Camera if you want to shoot.
After enjoying the Dharohar dance show, we went to Gangor Ghat, located near the exit of Bagore Ki Haveli. This ghat offers a stunning landscape view of Udaipur Lake, where you can see the reflection of the surroundings in the water. We ended our day at one of the open terrace restaurants near Gangor Ghat, where there are many rooftop cafes and eateries to choose from.
Rajasthani Darohar Folk Dance shows at Bagor Ki Haveli. |
Evening view from Gangor Ghat |
Day 2
Our Day 2 began with a visit to the Jagadish Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. This 18th-century temple is a remarkable example of Indian culture and architecture. Being a weekday, it was less crowded, allowing us to explore the temple comfortably. After we visited the Jagadish Temple, we went for breakfast at a restaurant just opposite it. Although we initially planned to have parathas, we ended up enjoying Rajasthani Poha, Chat Kachori, and Lassi instead.
Next, we decided to explore the nearby attractions in the main city. We found that renting a scooter was the best option for convenient travel to various locations.
We started our day at Bagore Ki Haveli, as the previous night we could only attend the Darohar dance show. We wanted to fully explore the museum and capture some daytime photographs of the Bagor Ki Haveli. While exploring the museum I could see Rajmudra of our Swarajya was displayed in Havelis museum and I felt overwhelmed.
A museum ticket at Bagor Ki Haveli is 25 INR per adult
After thoroughly photographing Bagore Ki Haveli, we headed to Shilpgram, located about 5 kilometers away. Shilpgram is a village showcasing the traditions of local tribal people and features cultural performances. It’s also a great place for shopping for handmade crafts.
Soon, our stomachs were calling for Dal Bati Churma, so we made our way to Krishna Restaurant, which was another 5 kilometers from Shilpgram. This restaurant is renowned for its authentic Dal Bati Churma thali, a signature Rajasthani dish that has gained international fame.
The thali costs 350 INR per adult and comes with unlimited food.
After our hearty meal, we headed to a viewpoint at Lake Pichola to witness the stunning sunset. We couldn’t resist taking photos of the breathtaking view.
Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu |
Krishna restaurant which is famous for its Dal Bati Churma food |
The sunset was quite early due to the wintertime. |
Day 3
We began our third day by exploring one of the best mountains in the Aravali hill range of Rajasthan: Bahubali Hill in Udaipur. Bahubali Hill is renowned for its stunning sunrise views, and a recent photo on social media has attracted many visitors. We decided to explore it early in the morning, so we set out on our scooter at 5 AM in 11-degree weather. After a short trek, we arrived at the location around 6:50 AM and were rewarded with an astonishing view of the sunrise. The scenery after 7 AM was simply breathtaking. We spent a considerable amount of time taking pictures before heading to Sai Baba Paratha Center in Udaipur, which is famous for its Ghee Paneer and Aloo Paratha, served with garlic chutney.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we visited another photogenic spot in Udaipur: the City Palace, the residence of the royal family of Rajasthan. This 450-year-old palace is known for its impressive architecture. The entry ticket for the City Palace is ₹400 per adult, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the site.
Following our visit to the City Palace, we had lunch at a local café before heading to see the Karni Mata Temple of Udaipur. The temple can be reached either by walking or via a ropeway, which takes about 30 minutes. The average waiting time for the ropeway is about 40 minutes, but the night view of Lake City at night is well worth it.
Wintertime cost per adult is 110 INR.Ropeway
After visiting the city palace we headed to Ambrai Ghat to sit beside the lake and feel the peace. This concluded our third day of adventures.
The only and best sunrise point is Bahubali Hill. |
View of City Palace from outside |
Day 4
On Day 4, we began our exploration at Saheliyon-ki-Bari, a historical palace designed for the females of the royal family. While it is referred to as a palace, it resembles more of a garden, and we spent about 40 minutes exploring it.
The entry fee here is 25 INR per adult.
Next, we moved on to Fateh Sagar Lake, which is surrounded by the Aravalli hills and located just 3 km from Saheliyon-ki-Bari. The lake is famous for its speedboat rides, which are priced at 280 INR per adult. We also enjoyed some delicious street food at Fateh Sagar Lake.
After our tasty snacks, we headed to Sajjangarh Palace, commonly known as the Monsoon Palace. This palace is located 8 km from the lake and is a must-visit if you're looking to witness a magical sunset. However, we couldn’t stay for long because we had a table booked at Jagat Niwas Palace for an evening party to enjoy the sunset.
Jagat Niwas Palace is nestled in a fertile valley on the breezy eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola. This heritage boutique hotel is well-known for its lakeside dining. I cherished the quality time spent with my wife before heading to the local market for shopping. I found Udaipur Lane to be reminiscent of South Goa.
After witnessing another stunning sunset and completing our shopping, it was time for dinner in a lakeside ambiance.
Fatehsagar Lake which is famous for boating |
Day 5
It was the last day of our trip, and suddenly I recalled a line from the movie "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani." I took my wife's hand and said, "Abe, kitna soyegi? Aaj ka din hi hai Udaipur ghumne!" With that, we set off to another stunning location in Udaipur: Jagmandir Palace, situated in the middle of Pichola Lake.
The entry ticket cost ₹650 per adult, which included a boat ride to the palace. Jagmandir Palace was originally built as a royal hotel, featuring lakeside dining, but it also attracts many tourists who come for boat rides on Pichola Lake. The food at Jagmandir Palace was quite expensive, with small portions, but we were there to explore and take photos, so we enjoyed our time there regardless of the cost. It was definitely worth the visit.
If you plan to visit here after 3 pm then the entry cost would be 850 INR per adult.
After exploring Jagmandir Palace, we made our way to Jheel's Cafe to witness the sunset. Located near the City Palace, the cafe offers a stunning view of the Ambrai Ghats and Pichola Lake. I couldn't resist taking countless pictures of the breathtaking view. By the time we finished our meal at Jheel's Cafe, it was 7 PM, and we needed to head back since our train was scheduled for 8 PM.
We ended our trip with cherished memories, along with plenty of photos and videos. I must say, you shouldn't miss Udaipur; it's best to plan for at least 3 to 4 days to truly appreciate it.
Jagmandir Palace Lake facing dining. |
The sunset view is captured from Jheel cafe. |
End of the trip from Jagat Niwas Palace |
Jheels cafes in Udaipur for sunset |
Traveling around Udaipur
Traveling around Udaipur is quite simple, and the best way to do it is by renting a bike or a car. Many attractions in Udaipur are located within a 3 to 4 km range from the main market, while others are within 5 to 10 km. Renting a vehicle, preferably a two-wheeler, is a great option as it allows you to travel at your own convenience. Since the lanes in Udaipur can be very narrow, opting for a car might be difficult due to traffic, especially in the evenings.
Renting a two-wheeler for a day typically costs between 300 to 700 INR, depending on the type of vehicle you choose. For instance, we rented a scooter near Bagore Ki Haveli for 350 INR for 24 hours.
I also recommend exploring Udaipur's shopping lanes on foot, as there are numerous shops lined up, making it easier to discover each one.
Foods to try when you are in Udaipur
Udaipur, often called the "City of Lakes," is also a paradise for food lovers. When you visit Udaipur, you must try the local dishes that tantalize your taste buds.
Dal Bati Churma is one of the most famous Rajasthani dishes and a must-try. For a light snack, Pyaz Kachori, Samosa Chaat, and Kachori Chaat are delicious options to consider.
Udaipur boasts numerous restaurants and cafés that offer stunning views of the lakes. Here are some popular places to visit:
- **Krishna Dal Bati Restaurant**: Known for its typical Rajasthani Dal Bati Thali.
- **Ambrai, Natraj Dining, and Upre Restaurant**: These establishments provide lakeside dining. However, be prepared to spend a bit more, as they can be quite pricey, but the ambiance is worth the experience.
- **Jheels Café, Harigarh, and Sun and Moon Café**: These are mid-range restaurants with lovely lake views.
- **JMB Mishtan**: A great place to try the sweet dish called Ghevar.
- **Bajrang Nashta Center**: This is the best spot to enjoy various chaat items.
Enjoy your culinary adventure in Udaipur!
Ideal Time to Visit Udaipur
Udaipur, located in the hot region of Rajasthan, attracts many tourists during the winter months from October to February. The climate during this period is pleasant and cool, making it the best time to explore "Lake City."
Summers in Udaipur can be extremely hot and humid, resulting in very few visitors during that time. Additionally, the monsoon season in Rajasthan is unpredictable and can lead to flooding situations, making travel conditions uncertain.
Things to know before you travel to Udaipur
- Udaipur is quite a rich city and prepare yourself to spend quite good money if you want to explore the ambiance.
- Wear a a helmet while riding a bike, driving rules are quite strict here.
- You can also hire an auto on a day-to-day basis to explore local Udaipur and negotiate with them as per your budget
- Make your booking well in advance for hotels and travel tickets.
- Do not litter the place around you